Sunday, March 5, 2006

This Week In Blues

When I arrived at JJ's, I ran into Steve and Ken unloading their stuff. I talked to Steve and Ken briefly. During our brief conversation, I found out that Ken and I grew up about four miles from each other on Chicago's South West side. Thick Chicago accents were on display much to the surprise of long time friends.

Once we got inside, the show began. This show set the bar for the remainder of the year. Steve and Ken played two extended sets of almost all original tunes. They really worked well together which is what you would expect considering that they've known each other for close to 30 years.

Ken is an excellent song writer and piano player. He is skilled in the old school styles, but comes off sounding totally fresh and modern. For the final tune of the evening, he switched over to the house organ and they played a great Jimmy Smith style number to conclude a very entertaining evening. It was a really fantastic show.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

RJ Mischo

It was an action packed night at Fat Tuesday edition of RJ Mischo's World Famous All Day Blues Jam Night at the Mojo Lounge.

As always, RJ kicked off the festivities for the evening with a fabulous house band consisting of Little Jonny Lawton, Randy Bermudes and June Core. RJ's playing last night with this group of guys was nothing short of awe inpiring.

Jaw dropping, simply, jaw dropping. If you were there, you know what I mean. If you weren't your missed out on a great free show.

The evening featured several guest artists including the prolific, enigmatic and charismatic Double G, the electrifying E-Rock, a good harp player from Southern California named Ryan, Lisa and myself.

Most importantly, yesterday marked the return of the great Little Junior Crudup to the big stage at the Mojo Lounge. Little Junior being the ultra-bad ass showman that he really lit up the stage and captivated the audience.